UPDATED: Terry Bean Denies Sex Abuse Charges, Claims He is Victim of Extortion

Email to a friend Permalink

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

GoLocalPDX News Team

A major political fundraiser, Terry Bean, was arrested Wednesday on charges that he sexually abused a minor. Bean denied the charges through statements issued by his attorney.

Portland police arrested Terry Bean Wednesday, a real estate developer, gay-rights activist and one of Oregon's largest financial supporters of President Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign on Wednesday.

Bean was charged with two counts of sodomy and the sexual abuse of a juvenile male, according to the Portland Police Bureau.

Bean attorney quickly issued a statement attesting to his innocence. 

"No allegations against Terry Bean should be taken at face value," said Bean's attorney, Kristen Winemiller. 

Winemiller said that Bean was the victim of an "extortion ring led by several men known to law enforcement."

"This current arrest is connected to the ongoing investigation of the case in which Mr. Bean has fully cooperated," Winemiller said. "We look forward to clearing his name."

Bean, perhaps best known for his civil-rights work, is one of the founders of the nation’s largest gay-rights organization, Human Rights Campaign. A prolific campaign fundraiser, Bean bundled approximately $146,000 to support Obama's 2012 re-election.

Bean was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center and will be transferred to Lane County to be arraigned for an indictment, according to police. A Lane County grand jury indicted Bean on charges stemming from a 2013 incident involving the juvenile male.

On Wednesday afternoon, Winemiller's office was unable to confirm whether Bean had been released on bail.

Enjoy this post? Share it with others.

Email to a friend Permalink